PERENNIAL WALLFLOWERS

Perennial wallflowers are increasingly popular and useful for modern gardens. They flower for many months, usually between March and June, but often for longer. They are short-lived, small shrubs and are ideal for pots as well as for sunny borders. They can live for three to four years if the soil is poor, which restricts growth, but some are past their best, scruffy and bare at the base after two years if grown in rich soil or containers. They can be easily maintained by taking cuttings which root readily, any time from spring to late summer. Although soft-tip cuttings can be taken in summer, better results are achieved with heel cuttings taken from new growth on older stems in spring. Recommended varieties include:

‘Pastel Patchwork’: Flowers open yellow and age to pink, providing an ever-changing display of fragrant flowers. Height 24in (61cm).

‘Stars and Stripes’: Bright, variegated leaves and fragrant flowers, opening peach and fading to pink. Height 24in (61cm).

‘Fragrant Sunshine’: Compact plants covered in rich golden flowers from dark buds. Very fragrant. Height 12in (30cm).

‘Apricot Twist’: Richly scented, vibrant flowers from March to June over bright green, toothed foliage. Height 20in (51cm).